Defender front coil - why isn't there a retaining bracket?

[JCW]

As per the title really. The rear springs have a retaining plate/bracket which slides over the bottom of the coil and attaches to the cone/doughnut to keep the spring in place and yet I've noticed on the front this isn't used allowing the spring to dislocate from the bottom mounting.

Am I missing something?

[anonymous-user]

Unlike the rear, the damper runs up the middle of the spring too so that sort of keeps the spring in place should it try to make a bid for freedom. Less articulation on the front axle too.

[Seaton]

My RRC has these on the front, along with cones for the top mount.

http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/OFF_ROAD/HD_Suspen...

five whole pounds

[anonymous-user]

Seaton said:

five whole pounds

...wasted.

[JCW]

Crossflow Kid said:

Unlike the rear, the damper runs up the middle of the spring too so that sort of keeps the spring in place should it try to make a bid for freedom. Less articulation on the front axle too.

OK. Makes sense although one of the front ones was lifting out of its seating which prompted the question. Three springs and dampers fitted and all pretty straightforward until the last one; what a ball ache! Ended up using the angle grinder on the spring and bottom damper nut, but at least I refrained from kicking it which I've done in the past.

[anonymous-user]

JCW said:

Crossflow Kid said:

Unlike the rear, the damper runs up the middle of the spring too so that sort of keeps the spring in place should it try to make a bid for freedom. Less articulation on the front axle too.

OK. Makes sense although one of the front ones was lifting out of its seating which prompted the question. Three springs and dampers fitted and all pretty straightforward until the last one; what a ball ache! Ended up using the angle grinder on the spring and bottom damper nut, but at least I refrained from kicking it which I've done in the past.

Yeah, fair enough, they may unseat slightly but you won't actually lose the spring. Had it happen on my old Disco once. Just dropped the opposite rear wheel in a ditch to take the weight off and ttted it back in to place.